October 31, 2006

CROSSING ACCIDENT REDUCTION ENFORCEMENT UPDATE

Midland Police joined forces with Union Pacific this morning to help raise awareness of train safety and reduce the number of accidents at railroad crossings.  In all, 59 citations (tickets) were issued.  Twenty-six tickets were given for disregarding crossing signals, for being stopped on the railroad tracks, or for being parked within 15 feet of the railroad tracks.  The remaining tickets were for other violations including no driver’s license, no insurance, no seatbelt, or an unrestrained child.

The program is designed to draw attention to the dangers of trying to “beat” a train.  Union Pacific reminds drivers that it is hard to tell how fast a train is traveling.  In Texas, the main cause of railroad crossing accidents is motorists that choose to disobey warning signs.

There are 11 railroad crossings inside Midland’s city limits.  All of the crossings have gates.

In the near future, all of Midland’s railroad crossings will also have concrete medians to help deter motorists from attempting to drive around the cross arms. 

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